Help keep young workers safe

Having a job can be an exciting and rewarding experience for young people. But according to OSHA, people younger than 25 are 2 times as likely as older workers to be injured on the job, and more than 170,000 young workers were injured and 361 were killed at work in 2012. To help keep young workers safe, education is key.

Although young workers can be an asset, they often have little to no experience. Common ways young workers get hurt on the job, according to OSHA, include:

Insufficient safety training

Working with unsafe equipment

Poor supervision

Performing work that is illegal for young workers, such as operating certain types of equipment

Being pressured to work quickly

Hazards for young workers vary by industry. For a thorough list, visit www.osha.gov.

OSHA notes that many young workers also are temporary workers and should be treated the same as any other worker, particularly regarding proper safety training. Employers must ensure the following regarding young workers, according to OSHA:

Comply with all federal and state child labor laws.

Establish mentorships. Have experienced workers available so younger workers can better learn the ins and outs of a new job.

Train young workers on proper work practices and how to spot hazards. Ensure training is done in an understandable way appropriate for the worker’s age.

Create a culture in which young workers are encouraged to ask questions.